Shelby 75 Excellent
Shelby Livability #52 ranked city in North Carolina#4,349 ranked city in the USARanks better than 85% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Shelby

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

What's it like Living in Shelby?

Shelby, North Carolina is a mid-sized city with a population of 20,722 people. Individuals of White (58%) and Black or African American (35%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Shelby will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Shelby, North Carolina could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Shelby and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.

The livability score in Shelby is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 87th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Shelby is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Shelby scores well for amenities (B+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) Shelby does not do well for the following: crime (F), education (D) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Shelby has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Shelby has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Shelby excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Shelby. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Shelby are affordable. Median real estate prices in Shelby come in at $232,594, which is 19.7% lower than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Shelby, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 2.4% lower than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Shelby

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Shelby?

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Compare Shelby, NC Livability

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      Shelby transportation information

      Statistic Shelby North Carolina National
      Average one way commute21min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.1%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.3%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home2.3%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Shelby, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.